Seems like the Mai Tai has been my go to cocktail in my home bar for some time now. It's the cocktail I always make first thing for our cocktail nights. The first cocktail sets the evening mood while I am perusing the recipe books for other selections. My wife always orders up a classic rum and vodka Blue Hawaii. Just wondering if other folks have a "go to" cocktail or is this just the start of OCD.
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My version of the painkiller, created when I misread the recipe while trying out some additions, but I like it more than the original. And, I make it in bulk. It's good for parties and for breakfast without the rum.

top with fresh grated nutmeg (do NOT use pre-grated nutmeg, it will ruin your drink, grate your own at the bar, fresh whole nutmeg can be found in the spice section of most stores)

At parties, I always go through 2-3 times as many painkillers as I do any other drink.

dcman

(trick #1 - the cream of coconut has a tendency to separate - head this off at the pass by pre-mixing the cream of coconut and some of the juices in a blender or bowl, then blend or whisk or otherwise find a way to break up the lumps. Doing this ahead of time makes the drink creamier and non-chunky later on)

The "tiki" cocktails I most commonly make at home are mojitos and dark & stormys. This is because they are relatively easy to make. When I want a real tiki cocktail, I most commonly make either a mai tai or a zombie. When making zombies I usually use the DTB "Speivak" version.

151 Swizzles are the ladies' favorites, and DtB Navy Grog for the men folk. In summer, a pitcher of Derby Daiquiris. Lately my Head Shrinker is becoming a favorite.
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